Black Moon, Cornwall
One of our most romantic holiday cottages by the sea, Black Moon sits right on Bamaluz Beach. Big French doors give spectacular views out to sea, and the interiors are captivating – the living room has a glass floor and there’s a trap door to a secret cave for watching the waves crashing in.
Spend your days browsing bustling St Ives’ quirky shops and art galleries, tucking into pasties or fish and chips on the beach or getting active with coastal walks or watersports. Back at the cottage, book a massage to soothe your tired muscles or simply kick back and take in the sea views, watching the sunset over Bamaluz Beach.
Salts Cottage, Cornwall
A light and airy cottage in a charming fishing village, with two terraces, private steps leading down to the water and a running line. Bring your own SUP, or speak to the owners about hiring kayaks, paddle boards or boats. The open plan living and dining area features french doors with stunning sea views, a big table for feasting and lovely soft sofas for sinking into. Upstairs, you’ll find the bedrooms and the same spectacular views, as well as buttery soft beds. There’s a little kitchen for cooking your meals, and a complimentary bottle of wine to go with them.
If you want to give the oven the night off, head to the Lugger Inn in Polruan for delicious pub meals, or venture into Fowey. The day trip possibilities are endless – canoe around the estuary, cycle in Lanhydrock’s wooded estates or set off on the Fowey to Polkerris Beach walk.
Eagle Bay Cottages, Western Isles, Scotland
A wildlife lover’s paradise on the Western Isles, where you might spot dolphins, whales, otters and seals from the big squishy sofa looking out over the sea loch.
These roomy, architect-designed cottages are built into the side of the cliffs with natural grass roofs so they look totally blended in. Huge floor to ceiling windows allow the views and light to cascade in, and there’s binoculars so you won’t miss a beat. Borrow maps, bikes and thermos flasks and set off along quiet lanes for wonderful walks and ease your aching limbs in the sauna afterwards.
Dorset House Salcombe, Devon
A modern townhouse in gorgeous Salcombe, with three terraces all with views of the estuary and sandy beaches. The decor is bright and beautiful, and the open-plan kitchen has everything you need for entertaining – there’s even a wine fridge with a welcome bottle and a cocktail corner with glasses and a shaker. Have breakfast on the terrace overlooking the sea, and fire up the barbecue in the evenings.
If you manage to tear yourself away from the cottage, Salcombe’s brilliant pubs, restaurants and quirky shops are just a 15-minute walk away. The South West Coast Path can be joined from town, with stunning walks in either direction – try the route to Bolt Head. If you fancy a spot of surfing, Bantham beach is a short drive away.
1 the Old Signal House, Cornwall
A comfortable Cornish retreat on a rocky headland, with far-reaching views of Plymouth sound and the sea beyond. The rooms have a cosy feel, and the cottage is kitted out with books and board games in case the weather isn’t on your side. The kitchen opens out onto a spacious patio and lawn, and there’s a spiral staircase at the back for climbing to the big shared roof terrace – the perfect spot for a seaside sundowner.
Amazing walks stretch out from your doorstep, with dramatic cliffs in one direction and the lovely woodland of Mount Edgcumbe Estate in the other. You’re five minutes’ stroll from a sandy cove if you fancy a bracing dip, and close to the South West Coastal Path if you’d rather enjoy the sea views without diving in. There are four pubs and a bistro within walking distance, perfect for reflecting on the day’s events over a hearty meal and a nice crisp pint.
More inspiration…
Our top six beach houses
What could be better than finding your own bolthole with an inspiring seascape? Curl up and watch the weather roll in, stroll straight down onto the beach after lunch and fall asleep with the surf echoing round your room. We choose six of our favourites.
Places in Cornwall
Explore incredible coastline, wild moors, foodie pubs and picturesque fishing villages from a place that feels like home. Our collection of holiday cottages are characterful, colourful places to stay that you’ll love as much as Cornwall itself.
Five off-peak coastal destinations
The UK’s coastline is full of beautiful beaches, clifftop walks and friendly seaside towns; and a visit outside of the summer months can be one of the best times to experience it all. Here are five of our favourite coastal destinations for an off-peak, off-stress escape.
